December 13
“The secret of waiting is that the seed has been planted, that something
has begun.”
-Henri J. M. Nouwen
For Reflection
Why do you think knowledge of the planted seed holds the “secret” to waiting? Consider this quote in light of the quote of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. What seed was planted in Mary? What seeds exemplified her period of waiting (consider what you learned through other quotes)? Identify some of the seeds that have been planted in you during this
time of spiritual waiting?
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While it is necessary for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being for us to extend forgiveness, it is just as necessary that we seek forgiveness when we have offended another.
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December 12
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
“The Word of God is present in [Mary], dwells within her, and takes hold of all the capabilities of her intelligence, her heart, her sensibility. Her entire being is mobilized by God and for God.”
-Father Marie-Dominique Philippe, O.P.
For Reflection
Reread the above GraceLine. Enter into the mystery these words express. Let them move you interiorly. Through the use of your imagination “be” with Mary as the Word of God grows within her. What thoughts, inspirations, and insights come to you? In what way does this aspect of Mary’s “waiting” prove the truth of yesterday’s GraceLine? What do you make of the last sentence, especially the word “mobilized,” in light of the time of Mary’s maternity? Our Lady of Guadalupe appears to Juan Diego pregnant with Jesus. How do you think she images this quote through her apparitions?
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While the six steps toward forgiveness outlined by psychologists can be of great help, forgiveness itself is primarily a spiritual work that takes place deeply within the inner confines of our heart. Therefore, making use of the remedies given to us in Sacred Scripture and through Holy Mother Church are of ultimate benefits.
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December 11
“Waiting patiently in expectation is the foundation of the spiritual life.”
-Simone Weil
For Reflection
Why do you think this is so? How is the spiritual life demonstrated in the excerpt from A Woman Wrapped in Silence.” Note the phrase from today’s quote, “waiting patiently in expectation.” How does Mary demonstrate this in the excerpt? To what extent has my current Advent been marked by “patient expectation?” In addition to the coming of the Christ Child, is there something else for which I have been waiting? What is it? How can this “advent” be a time of spiritual growth for me as I wait?
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(Image courtesy of Wesley Fryer at Wikicommons)
People write to us all the time with questions about the various energy medicine techniques – from Reiki to tai chi and everything in between – so I decided to write a general overview of energy medicine that can provide additional details for those who wish to learn more.
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December 10
“And when the hour had come that was to move
The long days onward to Bethlehem…
a moment paused,
Above a quiet place, and found, just this,
A woman wrapped in silence, and the seed
Of silence was her heart that tried to give
All that it held to give, and ever more.”
-John W. Lynch, Excerpt from A Woman Wrapped in Silence
For Reflection
These beautiful words poetically describe Our Lady as she waited for and anticipated the birth of her Son. What thoughts and insights come to you through the description “a woman wrapped in silence?” What interior attitude marked Mary’s silence? What does the poetry suggest? What about Luke 2:19, 51? Consider these lines in light of the quotes of Father Marie-Dominique Philippe and Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. How can I imitate Our Lady and also become “a woman wrapped in silence?”
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THE PRAYER O JESUS, LIVING IN MARY
By St. Louis de Montfort.
O Jesus, living in Mary,
Come and live in Thy servants,
In the spirit of Thy holiness,
In the fullness of Thy might,
In the truth of Thy virtues,
In the perfection of Thy ways,
In the communion of Thy mysteries.
Subdue every hostile power
In Thy spirit, for the glory of the Father.
Amen.
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Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. (Mt. 13:45-46)
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December 9
“The Father of mercies willed that the Incarnation should be preceded by assent on the part of the predestined mother, so that just as a woman had a share in the coming of death so also should a woman contribute
to the coming of life.’
-Lumen Gentium #56
For Reflection
After careful reflection, list the truths this paragraph contains in light of Genesis 3:15, the Immaculate Conception, and the Annunciation. How do they point to God’s reality as the “Father of mercies?” Given this paragraph, why do you think Mary is the perfect one to teach us about our feminine call and mission? Consider the time of Mary’s pregnancy. Based on Scripture and your own insights, how do you think this, Our Lady’s “advent,” reflected a continued attitude of surrender? Journal your thoughts. We will consider this time in Our Lady’s life through the next few GraceLines.
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